Once a quarter, something very special happens at the Gadgets office. Members of the staff get to pack their bags and hit the road to test some of the gadgets in their native environment: the outdoors. In this edition of Gadgets on the Go, Gadgets goes big time and leaves the familiarity of Luzon for a plane ride to Negros Occidental. We toured the high and low places, moved from the beaches to the mountains and all the little places in between, all the while testing products and enjoying the scenery. Read on and join us in our biggest adventure to date, as Gadgets Magazine hits the province of Negros Occidental.
It's Saturday, 1 in the morning. Four-fifths of the selected Gadgets on the Go team arrive at the office making last-minute preparations. Questions and queries like, "Did you bring the charger?" and "Where are the swimsuits?" and "What else did we forget?" filled the unusually quiet office. As 2am hit, we left for the airport (where we chanced upon a cab driver who probably had dreams of becoming a driver for NASCAR – our hearts were in our throats!). But we arrived safe and sound, sleepy but not shaken, and waiting for our other colleague Derrick, who decided to pack later than usual and ended up arriving fashionably late but just in time for all the security checks to get us on the plane and take that one-hour flight to what would prove to be one truly great adventure indeed.
Boarding the plane was wholly uneventful, apart from the girls trying to sneak a few shots in before climbing the steps on to the plane. We got strapped in, set all our phones to flight mode, and tried to catch whatever shut-eye we could. The flight took all of 45 minutes, far too little time to get any decent sleep, but it wasn't much of an issue, since we were all too excited at the prospect of leaving Luzon for the biggest roadtrip yet. We disembarked at the New Silay airport, grabbed our bags from the carousel, ad headed out into the brisk morning. Outside, we were greeted by Mang Remy, our driver for the next 4 days. We piled into the Mitsubishi Fuzion and began the trip.
Our first stop was a few minutes away, and at 7:30am, we were a shade early for the Balay Negrense, in Silay. The Balay Negrense was the Victor Fernandez Gaston ancestral home, but has since been converted to a museum with a lot of the furnishings the house had in its many years of service. We got our serving of Filipino heritage, and took as many shots as our cameras and phones could take. As soon as our official photographer took the last of the shots, we packed up and headed over to our next destination.
The team couldn’t go much farther with an empty stomach, so with our guide, Abe Zayco’s, suggestion we proceeded to El Ideal Bakery in Silay City for breakfast. Trivia: The El Ideal is an old bakery shop (if not the oldest), at least 75 years or older, bakes cakes and pastries the traditional way, in a huge wood fired oven at the back of the counter. We treated ourselves with our first Bacolodian breakfast. Their main products are the pasalubongs like piaya, tarts (from caramel to fruits), meringue, pies, and napoleones. I’ve heard they also make the meanest guapple pie in the island. Too bad we weren’t able to try the scrumptious pastries. Maybe on our way home we’ll be able to get ourselves and the people back home some baked goodies.
All stuffed, we advanced to our next stop, Victorias City, the home of the biggest sugar mill and refinery in the country (or in the world?) the Victorias Milling Company. By this time, only Derrick and Kristine were awake enjoying the view of... umm... vast sugarcane plantations. As we entered the compound of VMC, a pungent scent of the molasses caught our noses and as we moved along it became sweet. Manong Remy, being a very accommodating tour guide, said that smell is coming from the process of manufacturing and refining sugar. He also mentioned that VMC uses carabao-driven mills to make muscovado sugar.
In the heart of the compound is one of the major tourist attractions in the city, “The Angry Christ Mural” located in the altar of the St. Joseph the Worker Parish. And boy, the Man looks really fierce in the mural. After saying a brief prayer, (which includes keeping us safe during the trip ‘coz we weren’t insured) we went back to the gate and took photographs of the antique locomotive on display which is popularly known as the “Iron Dinosaur.” We’re a bit disappointed with what we saw; as we’re hoping to see the whole train in tracks. The Iron Dinosaur is just sitting on top of the tiled platform, cordoned and looking really old, well it’s antique; it’s supposed to be old, right?
About an hour drive from Victorias is Talisay City where you could find “The Ruins.” The name not only applies to the structure but also the state your vehicle will be from passing the 3 kms of rough road. The ride is so bumpy we were bouncing at the back of the car and that made sleepyheads leave dreamland. A group of ecstatic Negrense kids warmly welcomed us in the site. The structure of The Ruins is of Italianate architecture with very neo-Romanesque columns, having a very close semblance to the façade of Carnegie Hall in New York City. The once magnificent mansion and the largest residential structure built that time was a home to haciendero Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson in the early 1900s. The mansion met its sad fate in the early part of World War II when the guerilla forces burned the mansion to prevent the Japanese to make use of it as their headquarters. The caretaker was kind enough to share that in some pictures of the tourists, a silhouette of man can be seen inside the skeleton of the mansion. You can check the pictures we have taken to see if there is one… boo!
At the ruins, the LG Viewty was a convenient gadget to have. With a 5-megapixel sensor, it was at par in terms of image quality, with some of the personal digital cameras we brought from home. The interface was dead simple, just like a regular point-and-shoot in fact, that some of the people around us had no idea it was even a phone. Once the shots had been taken, they were easily sent to the others via the built-in Bluetooth radio for safekeeping.
After our visit to The Ruins we headed down south to Bacolod City for lunch. Mrs. Imelda Gonzales of Imelda’s Cuisine graciously welcomed us to her restaurant cum extension of their house (located at the back area of the restaurant).
You could say the three-hour drive to Punta Bulata Beach Resort was one destination that gave us the most anticipation. Our Fuzion (as well as Mang Remy's crazy driving skills) took on the rough, unpaved trails as well as the winding roads that later followed ("opportunity curves," we called them since they swung each of us left and right against our seatmates). Finally, the gates were visible and in we were into a luxurious abode of serenity. The soothing sound of the waves crashing softly against the white sands gave us a sense of calm from the hectic day we began with. We all headed straight to our assigned bedrooms – all clean and undeniably comfortable bedrooms – made ourselves right at home, hurriedly got into our sweet Speedo attire and headed immediately towards the shore, immediately forgetting the stress the lack of sleep had brought. I whipped out the Canon IXUS 860IS and made sure that we took as many glamor-swimsuit-hotness photos using the beach as a backdrop. The most striking features of this model are its three-inch monitor, an optical image stabilizer, the fast DIGIC III processor and face detection, high ISO of 1600 and an extensive range of special preset scenes. Hence, the pictures came out crisp, clean, and pretty unique as I had a field day color-accenting and swapping some of the shots. After a nice, relaxing dip and a few picture-taking sessions here and there, we each got dressed and prepared ourselves for a sumptuous dinner of grilled porkchop, adobong kangkong, pancit, and sinigang. The owners Tita Miren, Tito Bummer and their sons Abe and Thomas, were like accommodating relatives who entertained us with stories about the place. The resort didn’t have too many guests since it was just recently opened to the public. But apparently, every year for the past 5 years, an annual summer party held around Labor Day weekend. Beachwear stalls, fashion shows featuring local designers, jet-ski fun matches, beach football and volleyball, drinking contests, and live musical performances are just some of the things that make up the event.
We said our thanks, retreated to our rooms, and without much trouble, slept like logs. The next day, we got up unjustly early so we could catch the perfect light for the first photo shoot of the trip. While Aina was making sure our model had impeccable hair and makeup, the rest of us went off to order some breakfast for the whole team. After everyone had eaten, our photog Derrick started directing and clicking away. Neither the sweltering midmorning sun nor the tempting sands were able to dissuade the art department from their duty. Product shots were completed in rapid succession, and well before lunch, we were done. While waiting for the boat which would take us to our next destination, we took the liberty of catching some more rays for that long-overdue tan.
We then headed on over to the port where our boat going to Danjugan Island was docked. While the rest of the gang remained under the solace of the shade, Aina and Michelle situated themselves at the very back of the boat, soaking up as much sun as we can. After 30 minutes, we finally landed on the coral-ridden shores of Danjugan Island, where we met our guide. He began with a brief lecture and history on the marine reserve. Danjugan Island, with its nutrient rich waters, is the most surveyed island in the entire country with about 420 species of hard corals despite its mere three-kilometer radius. The 48-hectare island was bought (during the late ‘80s) for only Php 4 million with the help of World Land Trust. Now it is a haven for nature lovers and who want to explore the beauty and wonder of an island rich in wildlife. Go deep sea diving, kayaking into lagoons, trekking, hiking – all in one place. This is where I thought I should whip out the Samsung M110 test unit. Splash-free, smash-free and scratch-resistant, it was one less gadget we had to worry carrying around. It may not be much of a looker but if you’re looking for a mobile that can handle anything that is thrown at it and still make a call at the end of the day, then the Samsung M110 is probably your new BFF (best friend forever). But alas, we were pressed for time so we decided to just check out the bat cave instead. Of course, we were not prepared for the 10-minute hike nor were we prepared for the overwhelming smell as we neared the cave. Being one of the first to reach the cave, I immediately let out a yelp when I saw this flying black rodent cutting across. As we all drew closer, we saw why the smell was so empowering – hundreds of black bats hung upside down resting peacefully while the others flew to and fro from one side of the cave to the next. It was a cave after Bruce Wayne’s heart. After much mouth-gaping, we finally headed on back so that Aina and Ren can do their little photo shoot to showcase Speedo’s new line of dive suits. Before we left, we had a delightful lunch of adobo and sinigang. Then we bid Danjugan Island goodbye, deeply saddened that weren’t able to explore the place much longer.
Once we were back at Punta Bulata, we groggily packed our things to move on to higher planes – Mambucal Mountain Resort. Not in a hurry to leave our beloved beach, Aina, Kristine and Ren decided to have one final hurrah by treating ourselves to their massage services. Rejuvenated and running late, we were off, but not without a parting gift from Tita Miren – packed sandwiches and bottled water. We had a long drive still.
A nice thing to note, gentle reader, is that Punta Bulata is in one of the more southerly locations on the island of Negros Occidental. Mambucal, our next destination, on the other hand, is one of the most northerly. It was some of the most frightening rides in the history of office trips. We were being tossed around in our seats as we rushed through corners in hopes of making as much progress to the mountain resort while light remained. Bathroom breaks were few and far between, and at one point, our driver pointed to indistinct dots of light on the mountain range far off in the distance, and muttered “Doon tayo.” Whee.
After four of the longest hours of our lives, and some of the most harrowing driving we have ever had to endure, we arrived at Mambucal. The ladies were eager to check out the restrooms, while the boys walked around to get some air. We were all sleepy from the trip, but the crisp mountain air, coupled with the occasional whiff of sulfur did wonders to wake everyone up. Hungry from the trip, we all moved to the dining area and each ordered some variant of inasal or another. It was the quickest meal we had ever had, and immediately after, everyone plopped down into bed until morning.
Bright and early the next day, we had our breakfast, and got ready for a full morning of exploring. First on the itinerary was a quick stroll around the resort grounds. We got to see the decades-old bath house, a piece of striking neo-classical architecture in the midst of the verdant green of the mountain. Further along, past the campsite and down a path, was the boating area. Seeing as we were already there, the three girls boarded a canoe, and the two boys boarded another. Ren, our small (but exceedingly charming) editorial assistant manned the paddles, while Derrick, a large strapping Mongol warrior was manning a camera. It was a hopeless scenario... After the necessary photos were taken, we returned our life vests and moved on to the butterfly garden.
It was extremely relaxing to be amidst what was probably hundreds of butterflies, and at this point, everyone who had the Macro function on their cameras had a field day. There was no direction any of us could look without seeing a few butterflies fluttering about. Aina and Mitch even had a butterfly land on each of their heads. We had a bit of a schedule to keep, so hard as it was, we had to tear the girls away from the butterflies. There was still a trail to hike.
We knew that there was still so much to do at the resort but since we were expected to meet Ms. Presy Alba for lunch at Bacolod, we figured we’d just run along on over to the nearest waterfall to take a few pictures then go straight to the dipping pool where we all were in serious need of R&R in the soothing hot sulfuric waters. We were first led to a bridge that stood just above a stream crashing into the rocks. Utterly relieved that the dipping pool wasn’t too far away, we followed our guide to where we thought was the dipping pool.
But alas, this was not the case as we began to climb up a steep pathway not realizing exactly where we were headed… until half-way down the path, when we finally understood our destination. We were being led to the First Fall, a good 800-step climb. All the while, we thought that the stream was the waterfall we were supposed to see! Instead, we trudged slowly and clumsily along the slippery, woody path in our slippers until we finally reached the first of seven waterfalls. In desperate need of a breather, we situated ourselves by the cool, shallow waters and dreamily wished we could just wash our tiredness away. But we had another 800 steps back before finally heading to dipping pool. Despite our guide’s sneaky way of making us forego such a climb, the comfort we received just sitting lazily in the dipping pool (and simply knowing that we had just hiked 1600 steps and survived) made the trip worth our while. After about 15minutes of sulfuric therapy, we headed back to our rooms and got ourselves and appetites ready for what would prove to be a delicious lunch at Chickenhouse in Bacolod.
Lucky for us, the food had already been served – juicy spareribs lay beautifully on each table setting just waiting to be devoured. A bubbly Ms. Presy warmly greeted us and we chatted about our trip and how as vacation-like as it may seem for most, we were all running very low on energy and nearing exhaustion from our hurried trips to so many different places. We then headed across the street to Pendy’s and treated ourselves to the infamously sweet half-moon cake. (This is also where we immediately bombarded our managing editor, Ms. Armin with text messages about how delicious the food was that made her green with envy.) While we waited for the food to arrive, we decided to check out what was going on in Manila by connecting to the wireless network using the Nokia N95 8GB.
This phone was a constant companion throughout the trip. When things got really monotonous, it was really convenient to duck into a quick movie or an audio book while the scenery whizzed by the car window. While others were crowding around the laptop to check their email, and other news from back home, Ren was discreetly doing the same on the screen of the little wonder-gadget from Nokia. He managed to check his email, peeked into his instant messenger list and checked the weather while the rest of the gang was trying do crowd around the single laptop we had. This, of course, was his little secret.
Then, with what seemed so brief a stay, we were off again to our final destination, Sagay, which was another three hours away. At this point, we were all ready to jump into our beds and call it a day. Fortunately for our tired minds and bodies, we were no longer able to meet with the mayor upon arriving so we retired into our spacious bedrooms (each with it’s own snazzy bathtub) located within the grandiose city hall, which also served as lodging for other guests. After getting settled in, we tried to get a bit of writing and photo editing done (such hard workers we are!). Of course, we couldn’t help to goof around a bit before we had to go to dinner at a nearby restaurant. Ms. Glenda, our Sagay contact person, treated us to seafood and then, when we couldn’t hold back much longer, a couple of bottles of beer to end our last evening right.
The next morning, we awoke to the familiar sound of the sea. This was a bit unusual, since the shore was a few kilometers away from where we were. Peeking out the window confirmed that the sea had not snuck up on us in the night. It was just raining. Hard. Unsure whether or not we would be able to go on the sea ranching leg of our expedition, we decided to err on the side of caution and left the hotel for breakfast, dressed in our beach clothes. After a rather hurried breakfast with Miss Helen, our guide for the day, and a quick drive to the port, it became apparent that we would not be able to go sea ranching. We were all raring to go, but the weather was just not going to let us. Fortunately, Alfredo Marañon, Mayor of Sagay, was back from a trip and the cancelled trip to Molocaboc Island gave us a perfect chance for a courtesy call. Our outfits would have to do. We made our way through the City Hall of Sagay, dressed in wholly inappropriate beachwear, and got to meet the mayor. We may not have been able to spend the morning sea ranching, but as consolation, he offered to give us some of the catch that morning, and instructed his staff to take us on a tour of the Museong Pambata, a short drive away.
The Museo Sang Bata in Sagay City is one of only two children’s museums in the country. The displays are all wholly interactive and all created to amuse and educate children about the natural wonders of the area. Many years have passed since the Gadgets crew were children, but just the same, we were all having a little too much fun with the exhibits, and before we knew it, we were due back for lunch at city hall. On the way back though, some of the girls realized there were orders from home to bring back as much dried fish and crispy squid as the airline would allow. We made a small detour through the market on the way back, and the girls got as much fish as they needed, while Derrick took some pictures.
By the time we got back to our lodgings, the clouds had cleared, and the sun was back with a vengeance. The girls had been itching to get some more time under the sun, and since this was the last chance to do so, they jumped right into the pool located just behind the city hall, obligating Derrick to take the last few shots of the trip. Wanting to see just how well the Speedo Aquabeat MP3 player worked along with her Speedo swimsuit, Michelle boldly swims around with it. And no, it didn’t break.
After lunch, everything went by in a quick blur. We had just enough time to get to the airport from Sagay, but with Manong Remy, a normal hour and a half on the road was a little closer to one hour, so we were able to take a breath and contemplate on the fact that in a few short hours, we’d be back in Manila. It was a long, tiring trip, but we were all the richer for the experience. We got to experience things we would normally just read about, and got to meet wonderful people along the way. Each of us was sure we’d be back someday, on our own terms and at our own time, and that thought alone made everything even more worthwhile.
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